Muskegon (Mich.) Church of the Brethren has been offering free ukulele lessons to the public over the past two years. The program is led by pastor Steve Hale and consists of four classes, finishing with a Sunday morning “Blessing of the Ukuleles.”
The lessons are geared for adult beginners. Styles taught include classic rock, country, and southern gospel. Graduates of the program receive a free instrument.
Many of the graduates return to practice and play in the praise band on Sundays. The ukulele band also plays a starring role in the
congregation’s “Hee Haw Live” evening on the first Friday of the month, May through September—a singalong with free pop and popcorn provided.
The latest ukulele lessons began Sept. 17.
—Carol Strayer and Tom Wagner